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Skillet Lasagna Recipe

4.4 from 90 reviews

This easy and delicious skillet lasagna combines the flavors of classic lasagna with the convenience of cooking it all in one skillet. Featuring ground beef, a flavorful tomato sauce, bite-size pasta, and a blend of cheeses, this hearty dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Liquids

  • 8 ounces bite-size pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Cheeses and Garnish

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 23 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves, for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks, then drain off some of the grease to avoid excess fat.
  2. Finish Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, dried minced onion, pasta sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add Pasta and Simmer: Stir the bite-size pasta and water into the simmering sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the pasta is tender and cooked through, about 13 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Finish with Cheese and Basil: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until melted and well combined. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to allow the cheeses to warm and meld together. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead Instructions: To prepare in advance, cook the ground beef and sauce mixture up until just before adding the pasta. Store the mixture in the refrigerator, then add pasta and water and finish cooking when ready to serve.
  • Meat Substitutes: Use ground turkey or a combination of ground Italian sausage and beef for extra flavor variations.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese and mozzarella with shredded cheddar or provolone if preferred.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables by sautéing them along with the spices before adding the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: skillet lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, one-pan lasagna, stovetop lasagna, quick lasagna, ground beef lasagna